Detachable, modular vehicle conversion systems and methods thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses a detachable, modular vehicle conversion system with universal adapter couplers and adapters to enable conversion of a vehicle, such as a van, cargo van, or trailer from a single-purpose vehicle to one that accommodates a variety of auxiliary units for camping, mobile offices, or industrial purposes, and which allows the user to switch between different uses. This modular conversion system has components that allow for different configurations that can be readily changed to suit the user&#39;s needs.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from the U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/707,470, filed on Nov. 3,2017, and titled DETACHABLE, MODULAR VEHICLE CONVERSION SYSTEM ANDMETHODS THEREOF.” the provisional patent application Ser. No.62/707,470, filed on Nov. 3, 2017, and titled DETACHABLE, MODULARVEHICLE CONVERSION SYSTEM AND METHODS THEREOF” is hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of vehicle conversions, andpertains more particularly to a modular system which permits the user toselectively convert the interior of a vehicle (such as a van, truck,trailer, plane, boat, bus, car, and the like) for various alternatinguses (such as a camper, mobile office, trade vehicle, etc.).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conversion vans are full-sized cargo vans that are outfitted by thirdparty companies or individuals for various specialty uses. The vehiclescan be purchased in pre-built configurations for camping, mobileoffices, or various types of industrial work, or custom aftermarketbuilders can equip a van with bespoke items and trims to satisfy themost discerning buyer. While pre-built conversion vans can range between$50,000-$100,000; a custom-built van can easily surpass $150,000.00 forthe most basic configurations. These prices put conversion vans beyondthe price range of typical customers. As a result, a Do-It-Yourself(DIY) movement has sprung up in the conversion van community in recentyears. To have the utility of a conversion without the high costs, agrowing number of people have resorted to converting vehicles of alltypes, including vans, themselves.

The results of a DIY conversion vehicle can vary greatly, based on theskill level of the person(s) doing the conversion. Some DIY conversionscan look as professionally done as a custom built $150,000.00 version;while other DIY conversions are less than stellar and look cobbledtogether from various components by an unskilled amateur. Thus, the DIYprocess can be both time consuming and costly, with inconsistent andoften poor quality workmanship. In addition, DIY conversions which takeup to 36 months and which cost as much as a pre-built conversion.

Existing pre-built conversions, custom built conversions, and DIYconversions all require permanent installation of the components.Installation requires drilling holes in the floors and often the wallsof vehicles to secure the various components. For individuals who rentor lease vehicles, such as cargo vans or trailers, they are prohibitedfrom making conversions or alternations to the vehicle by contract.

In addition, once a custom made conversion is complete using existingsystems and techniques, the configuration within the vehicle becomespermanent. This can be problematic because, in a traditional living orworking space, people may want or need to rearrange the location offurniture or appliances as desired. Existing vehicle conversion systemsdo not allow for easy reconfiguration. With existing conversionvehicles, switching from a bedroom to an office set-up essentiallyrequires starting from scratch for each configuration, because thehardware and framing structure used to secure the office components tothe interior of the vehicle are different than those that are used forsecuring bedroom components.

Thus, there remains a need for a vehicle conversion system and method toallow individuals to modify vehicles for camping, mobile offices, orindustrial work and back again without causing permanent damage to thevehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a detachable, modular vehicleconversion system to enable conversion of a vehicle, such as a van,cargo van, truck, trailer, or similar vehicle that includes asignificant enclosed area, from a single-purpose vehicle, to one thataccommodates a variety of auxiliary units for camping, mobile offices,home, or industrial purposes, and which allows the user to switchbetween different uses. Such a modular conversion system may be custom,or purpose-built for specific vehicles. This modular conversion systemmay have different components to allow for different configurations thatcan easily be changed to suit the user's needs. For example, anindividual may lease a van and using a modular vehicle conversion systemof the present invention, configure that van as a mobile office duringthe week, as a car-camping base on the weekends, and for transportingbikes for a one-time race. The present modular system allows for variousauxiliary units to be secured in a wide range of configurations within avehicle, without requiring drilling of holes in the vehicle floor,ceiling, or walls, or otherwise permanently damaging the convertedvehicle.

Specifically, the present invention is a detachable, modular vehicleconversion system, which is securely installed in the cargo end of avehicle. The modular vehicle conversion system includes a framestructure consisting of a plurality of frame structure elements,including U-shaped tube modules and straight segments inter-connected byspanner elements to form a canopy support structure or canopy supportframe (frame structure). The frame structure is positioned and securedalong the interior walls of the vehicle. Preferably, the frame structureis secured using the vehicle attachment system that includes a baseplate and floor coupler as described herein. Other embodiments of thesystem include multiple spanner elements that allow a user to customizethe location of a bed, shelf, desk, chair, couch, table, storagecubbies, tool storage units, parts bins, and so forth. In preferredembodiments, the spanner elements are attached to the frame structure ofthe modular vehicle conversion system using one or more universaladapter couplers.

The universal adapter couplers of the present invention connect theframe structure elements of the frame structure, and connect spannerelements within the frame structure. In an embodiment, the adaptercouplers attach straight segments of the frame structure to the upperU-shaped elements. In another embodiment, the universal adapter couplersare attached to a spanner or frame structure element in a desiredlocation for the purpose of allowing attachment of auxiliary units, suchas bed platforms, shelves, desks, and the like.

The universal adapter coupler includes a first elongate adapter segmentthat includes a first outer surface and a first concave interiorsurface. The concave elongate surface is adapted to fit against andpartially around a first portion of a straight segment, U-shaped tubemodule, or spanner element of the modular vehicle conversion system.Thus, the concave interior surface of the elongate adapter segment fitsagainst the convex exterior surface of a straight segment, U-shaped tubemodule, or spanner element. A second elongate adapter segmentcomplements the first elongate adapter segment, by having a concaveinterior surface that fits against the convex exterior surface of thestraight element. When the first elongate adapter segment is securedagainst the second elongate adapter segment around a straight segment,U-shaped tube module, or spanner element, it forms the tubular universaladapter coupler.

The universal adapter aspect of the coupler of the present invention isfound in the attachment apertures that extend partially through theelongate adapter segments. These apertures have varying surfaces anddiameters to accommodate a range of securing devices (e.g., screws). Thesecuring devices are used to secure the auxiliary units to theconversion system via the universal adapter coupler, as well as linkinguniversal adapter couplers together to form T-bar adapter units, hingecoupler, fixed angle adapter units and variable angle adapter units.

In a preferred embodiment, the system is secured to the interior of thevehicle using a vehicle attachment system, that includes a pre-boredbase plate with apertures that align with factory-installed apertures onthe floor and ceiling of the interior of a vehicle, and a floor couplerintegral or otherwise attached to the base plate. Using the universalpre-bored baseplate, the vehicle attachment system anchors the vehicleconversion system to the interior floor, ceiling, or a side wall of thevehicle. In some embodiments, this anchoring is accomplished usingpre-existing rails or drilled out holes.

In an alternative embodiment, the system is secured by virtue of itsmodular installation, such that the modular elements exert pressurebetween the ceiling and floor of the vehicle either in addition to, orin place of, other modular elements exerting pressure between theinterior side walls of the vehicle.

The system includes a vehicle attachment plate, which can be used toanchor the detachable modular vehicle conversion system to the interiorof the vehicle. The vehicle attachment plate is comprised of a baseplate, suitable for anchoring the modular system to a wall, floor, orceiling within the vehicle, and a tubular insertion clamp affixed to thebase plate.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features andadvantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, andthe claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the detachable,modular vehicle conversion system of the present invention as installedwithin the interior of the cargo end of a vehicle.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the detachable,modular vehicle conversion system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a universaladapter coupler of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a universaladapter coupler that is used as an accessory clamp in the detachable,modular vehicle conversion system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a universal tee adapter unit of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a universal T-bar adapter unitattached to intersecting tubular section of a canopy support structureor canopy support frame.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a floor coupler of the vehicleattachment system of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the top side of a base plate of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the underside of a base plate of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9A is a top perspective view of a base-plate stabilizer unit orfeature used in embodiments of the detachable, modular vehicleconversion system of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a top perspective view of an alternative base-platestabilizer unit or feature used in embodiments of the detachable,modular vehicle conversion system of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of two universal adapter couplersattached together through a fixed-angle adapter unit to form a fixedangle coupler, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of two universal adapter couplersattached together through a variable angle adapter unit to from avariable angle coupler, in accordance with the embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a support hinge assembly of thepresent invention.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the support hinge assembly of FIG. 12Acouple to a universal coupler to from hinge coupler, in accordance withthe embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a detachable, modular vehicleconversion system of the present invention, showing an auxiliary unitplatform in the downward, engaged position.

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the detachable, modular vehicleconversion system in FIG. 13A with the platform sections in the upward,storage position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the illustrated in FIG. 1, the inventive vehicle conversionsystem 100, hereafter conversion system, is installed within theinterior of a vehicle body 110. As shown in FIG. 1, the conversionsystem 100 fits at a cargo end of cargo body 112 of the vehicle, whichincludes a ceiling (not shown), interior walls 116 (not all interiorwalls are shown), and a floor 118. The conversion system 100 may bemodified for use with any vehicle, such as a van, recreational vehicle,truck, trailer, or any other type of moving vehicle that includes anopen cargo area which a user wishes to modify to add auxiliary items,such as a bed, cabinet, table, storage bin, and the like.

The conversion system 100 is installed within the vehicle body 110 suchthat certain elements of the conversion system 100 are aligned closelywithin the cargo end 112 and along the interior walls 116 and ceiling(not shown). As shown in further detail in FIG. 2, the vehicleconversion system 100 includes a first U-shaped tube module 122 a and asecond U-shaped tube module 122 b, each of which has an upper centralU-shaped segment 124 a and 124 b which generally are shaped to alignwith the shape of the interior of the vehicle. The width 119 of theupper central U-shaped segment upper central U-shaped segments 124 a and124 b can vary to extend along the entire width of the vehicle ceilingor some portion of the width of the vehicle ceiling without affectingthe functionality of the conversion system 100 as a whole.

The upper central U-shaped segments 124 a and 124 b curve at each end toextend downward along a straight segments of the U-shaped tube modules122 a and 122 b to reach the vehicle floor with straight leg segments126 a, 126 a′, 126 b and 126 b′. The assembly of the upper U-shapedsegments 124 a and 124 b, straight segments of the U-shaped tube modules122 a and 122 b and the leg segments 126 a, 126 a′, 126 b and 126 b′ arereferred to herein as arching support structures 131 and 133. Eachportion of the arching support structures 131 and 133 can be contiguous,monolithic, or formed from multiple segments, each which connecttogether to extend from the upper central U-shaped segments 124 a and124 b to the vehicle floor, as describe. Where the arching supportstructures 131 and 133 are formed from multiple segments, each of thesegments can be secured together using any suitable meaning includingbut not limited to threaded male/female ends, welding or sleeveconnectors, screws, clamps and universal adapter couplers, such as theuniversal couplers 140 and 140′ described with reference to FIGS. 3 and4, or comminations thereof.

The conversion system 100 further includes spanner elements or spannertubes 125 and 127 (FIG. 1) and/or 127′, 128 and 129 (FIG. 2) tostabilize the conversion system 100 and connect the arching supportstructures 131 and 133. The spanner elements or spanner tubes 125 and127 and/or 127′, 128 and 129 extend between upper central U-shapedsegments 124 a and 124 b the straight segments of the U-shaped tubemodules 122 a and 122 b, the straight leg segments 126 a, 126 a′, 126 band 126 b′ or any combination thereof to adjust the separation 121between the arching support structures 131 and 133.

When the arching support structures 131 and 133 are linked to each otheror connected together through the spanner elements or spanner tubes 125and 127 and/or 127′, 128 and 129, the structure is herein referred toherein as a canopy support structure or canopy support frame 120. Thecanopy support structure or canopy support frame can include any numberof support structures, such as the arching support structures 131 and133 and any number of spanner elements or spanner tubes, such as thespanner elements or spanner tubes 125 and 127 and/or 127′, 128 and 129suitable for the application. Further, canopy support structures orcanopy frame structures, such as the canopy support structure or canopyframe structure 120, of the present invention can be made to have anynumber of sizes or shapes to accommodate sizes and shapes of differentcargo bodies 112 of different vehicles.

In operation, the vehicle conversion system 100 generally includesseveral spanner elements extending between at least two arching supportstructures, such as described above. The number, placement, and spacingof spanner elements depends on the specific desired configuration of theuser. The Figures herein are provided for illustrative purposes only andit will be clear to one skilled in the art that the possible variationsof spanner element placement are numerous, depending on the nature ofthe use of the system, e.g., recreational versus office versus personalsleep space.

The spanner elements or spanner tubes 125 and 127 and/or 127′ 128 and129 function to provide stability to the vehicle conversion system 100and to support auxiliary units 168 and 169 that are attached to thesystem 100. Examples of auxiliary units 168 and 169 include, but are notlimited to, desks, cabinets, storage bins, counters and platforms tosupport a bed, such as described in further detail below. The spannerelements or spanner tubes 125 and 127 and/or 127′, 128 and 129 arecoupled to the support structures 131 and 133 universal adaptercouplers, such as the universal adapter couplers 140 and 141′ anduniversal tee adapter units, such at the universal tee adapter units 152shown in FIG. 5. The combination of a universal adapter coupler anduniversal tee adapter unit are referred to herein as a T-bar connector91 (FIG. 6).

As shown in FIG. 1, the canopy support structure or canopy support frame120 has several T-bar connectors 93, 95 and 97 as well as several notshown. In the FIG. 2 the canopy support structure or canopy supportframe 120 also includes several T-bar connectors 101, 103, 105, 107, 109and 111 as well as a universal adapter coupler 140′.

Referring to FIG. 1, the conversion system 100 includes a floor coupler164′, such as the floor coupler 164 shown in FIG. 7, that is attached toa floor base plate 161, such as the floor base plate 162 shown in FIGS.8A-B. Note that in general a floor coupler and a base plate is attachedto each of the straight leg segments 126 a, 126 a′, 126 b and 126 b′when the conversion system is installed.

The conversion system 100 as shown in FIG. 1 includes hinge couplers 191and 192, such as the hinge coupler 950 shown in FIG. 12B. The hingecouplers 191 and 192 are formed by attaching support hinge assemblies orstructure, such as the support hinge assembly or structure 900 shown inFIG. 12A, to a universal coupler, such as the universal coupler 140shown in FIG. 3. Hinge couplers 191 and 192 are used in the presentinvention to hingably attach auxiliary units 168 and 169 to a portion ofa canopy support structures or canopy support frame, such as the canopysupport structures or canopy support frame 120.

Portions of the arching support structures 131 and 133, and spannerelements or spanner tubes 125 and 127 and/or 127′ 128 and 129, orportions thereof, are manufactured from a substantially rigid material,such as steel, aluminum, or similar metals and alloys, composites,aluminum plus composite, rigid plastics or any commination thereof.

As described above and below, the conversion system 100 of the presentinvention uses universal adapter couplers 140 and 141, such as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. The universal adapter couplers 140 and 141 enableattachment of multiple auxiliary utilities to the canopy supportstructure or canopy support frame 120. As mentioned, auxiliary utilitiescan include bed brackets for securing a bed, various platforms used asdesks, tables, or other surfaces within the vehicle cargo area, andattachment devices for attaching netting, ropes, and other useful itemswithin the vehicle cargo area.

Universal adapter couplers 140 and 141 of the present invention includeselongate adapter segments 142 a, 142 b and 142 a′ and 142 b′,respectively, that are adapted to fit against each other to securearound any number of tubular segments of the canopy support structure orcanopy support frame 120. In this way the universal adapter couplers 140and 141 can also be referred to as sleeve clamping structures.

The universal adapter couplers 140 and 141 include outer surfaces 144and 144′ that are substantially oblong, either oval or rectangular inshape, and an interior concave surfaces 146 and 146′ that are configuredto fit and wrap around the tubular segments of canopy support structureor canopy support frame 120. The elongate adapter segments 142 a, 142 band 142 a′ and 142 b′ are secured using a clamping screws 148 and 148′or other securing mechanism, such as clamp straps and the like. Inaddition to the clamping screws 148 and 148′, the elongated segments 142a, 142 b and 142 a′ and 142 b′ of the universal adapter couplers 140 and141 can be joined through a hinge structures 143 and 143′ and/or fittedsnap features for securing the universal adapter couplers 140 and 141around tubular segments of canopy support structure or canopy supportframe 120. Preferably, the universal adapter couplers 140 and 141 aretapered at one or both ends, or flat at one or both ends to accommodatepositioning of the universal adapter couplers 140 and 141 on the tubularsegments of canopy support structure or canopy support frame 120.

The universal adapter couplers 140 and 141 each have one or moreattachment apertures 150, 151 and 150′ on one or both of the elongateadapter segments the elongated segments 142 a, 142 b and 142 a′ and 142b′. The attachment apertures 150, 151 and 150′ vary in placement, size,depth, and configuration, as shown in FIGS. 3-4. Some attachmentapertures 150, 151 and 150′ include threaded interior surfaces toaccommodate screws, others are sized to accept different standardconnectors, snaps or pins. The nature and placement of the attachmentapertures 150, 151 and 150′ are varied depending on the vehicle in whichthe system is to be installed, the nature of the auxiliary units to beattached, and commercial considerations in the manufacture of theuniversal adapter couplers 140 and 141. In a preferred embodiment, setsof the attachment apertures 150, 151 and 150′ are positioned such as toallow attachment of auxiliary unit, clamps, hinge structures or othercouplers, such as shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12A-B.

As illustrated, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, areas aroundthe attachment apertures 150, 151 and 150′ are milled to provide flatsurfaces 144 and 144′. The flat surface 144 and 144′ provide a weightbearing surface area around the attachment apertures to allow theauxiliary units or other attachments to sit flush against the universaladapter couplers 140 an 141. In one embodiment of the present invention,shoulders are milled to provide a bearing pad that assists with lockingthe auxiliary units or other attachments in position once they areattached to the universal adapter couplers 140 an 141. Although theelongated segments 142 a, 142 b and 142 a′ and 142 b′ are typicallydesigned to fit against each other to form the universal adaptercouplers 140 an 141, a gap may remain between the elongate adaptersegments 142 a, 142 b and 142 a′ and 142 b′ along their respectiveconnecting surfaces.

The universal adapter coupler 141 as shown in FIG. 4 serves asingle-purpose coupler, with a single attachment aperture 151 and one ortwo clamp screws 148′. However, it will be clear to one skilled in theart that universal adapter couplers 140 and 141 can be make to have anynumber of lengths with any number of attachment apertures for securingthe auxiliary units or other attachments thereto.

FIG. 5 illustrates a universal tee adapter unit 152, that has somesimilar features to the universal adapter couplers 140 and 141 shown inFIGS. 3-4. The universal tee adapter unit 152 is formed from twoelongated adapter segments 145 and 145 b with concave inner surfaces 147that when secured together through clamping screws 149 and 149′, hingefeatures, snap features or any combination thereof, form a sleevestructure that secures around truncated end or terminus end of a tubularsegment 28 (FIG. 6) of canopy support structure or canopy support frame120. The universal tee adapter unit 152 has attachment apertures 153 and154 and preferably has one concave end 155 that fits up against or buttsup against, and is secured to, a convex outer surface of the universaladapter coupler 140, as shown in FIG. 6 and described with respect toFIG. 3.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the universal tee adapter unit 152 ispreferably secured to the universal adapter coupler 140 through clampingscrews 149″ to from a T-bar connector 91, such as the T-bar connectors93, 95, 97 101, 103, 105, 107, 109 and 111 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. TheT-bar connector 91 is used to secure tubular segments 28 and 26 ofcanopy support structure or canopy support frame 120 anywhere thattubular segments 28 and 26 intersect, most notably where spannerelements or spanner tubes 125 and 127 and/or 127′ 128 and 129 are used.Note that the tubular segment 26 can either have terminus ends (notshown) that are secured within the universal adapter coupler 140 or canbe continuous through the universal adapter coupler 140, while thetubular segment 28 has a terminus end that is secured within theuniversal tee adapter unit 152. While the use of T-bar connectors, suchas the T-bar connector 91, is preferred, it will be clear to one skilledthat art that intersecting tubular portions of the canopy supportstructure or canopy support frame 120 can be secured using othertechniques, such as welding, bonding, clamps and the like. However, theuse of the T-bar connectors provides the ability incorporate or attach awide variety of auxiliary units or features to the conversion system viaattachment apertures 151, 153 and 154.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a floor coupler 164. In a preferredembodiment, as shown, one terminus end 169 of the floor coupler 164 isflat to allow it to be positioned flush against the top surface of abase plate, such as the base plate 162 shown in FIGS. 8A-B. As shown,the flat surface 169 includes receiving apertures 161 into whichsecuring devices are inserted through base plate-coupler apertures 168to secure the floor coupler 164 to the base plate 162. In alternativeembodiments, the terminus end 169 may be tapered to fit within the baseplate aperture 167 for a more rigid connection. In a preferredembodiment, the floor coupler 164 includes two clamp segments 166 a and166 b with concave inner surfaces 167 that are clamped around tubularstraight leg portions of a canopy support structure or canopy supportframe 120, such the tubular straight leg portions or leg segments 126 a,126 a′, 126 b and 126 b′ shown in FIG. 2. The two clamp segments 166 aand 166 b are secured together and around the tubular straight legportions of a canopy support structure or canopy support frame 120through one or more clamp screws 168. The floor coupler 164 can includeany number of attachment apertures 160 and 160′ to attach auxiliaryunits or features, such as described previously.

The base plate 162 is threaded, bolted, or otherwise secured to theterminus end 169 of the floor coupler 164 using any suitable attachmentmechanism including, but not limited to, screws, bolds and clamps. In analternative embodiment, the base plate 162 is pressure molded or weldedto the terminus end 169 of the floor coupler 164. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 9A-9B, the floor coupler 164 is secured to the baseplates 162 and 162′ using several screws that pass through baseplate-coupler apertures 168 and into the receiving apertures 161 on thefloor coupler 164.

FIGS. 8A-B, show views of the base plate 162. In a preferred embodimentshown in FIG. 8A, the bottom side of the base plate 162 includes arecessed apertures 168 around that allow the base plate 162 to remainflush with the vehicle floor after the floor coupler is attached throughscrews or bolts. The recessed region 167 allows screw and bolt head tobe flush with a top surface of the base plate 162. The placement,number, and shape of the various apertures 163 and 168 can varyaccording to intended use.

FIG. 9A shows a view of the floor coupler 164 attached to the baseplate162. FIG. 9B shows a view of the floor coupler 164 attached to analternative baseplate 162′. The combination of a floor coupler and baseplate, such as shown in FIGS. 9A-B, are referred to herein as basestabilizer units 170 and 171. In operation the base stabilizer units 170and 171 are placed on a floor of a vehicle and attached thereto. Thebase stabilizer units 170 and 171, for example, include a base plateapertures 163 and 163′ adapted to receive a factory D-ring cup to securethe base stabilizer units 170 and 171 to the vehicle floor. The shapeand size of the base plate aperture 163 depends on the type of vehiclethat is being converted. FIG. 9B shows an alternative embodiment of theinvention wherein base plate 162′ of the base stabilizer unit 171 hasadditional base plate apertures 173 that can be used to further securethe base stabilizer unit 171 to the vehicle floor.

In constructing a conversion system of the present invention, it isoften necessary to have interjecting tubular sections that are notperpendicular with respect to each other, but rather are angled at theirpoints of intersection by more or less than 90 degree. To accomplishthis goal, the present invention utilizes both fixed angle couplers 800and adjustable angle couplers 850, such as described below withreference to FIGS. 10 and 11, respectively.

The fixed angle coupler 800 shown in FIG. 10 is formed by jointing twouniversal couplers 840 and 841, such as the universal coupler 140 shownin FIG. 3, together with a fixed-angle adapter unit 801. The fixedangled adapter unit 801 is attached to a side surface of the universalcoupler 841 and an end surface of the universal coupler 840. Eachuniversal coupler 840 and 841 is rigidly attached to the fixed-angleadapter unit 801 using clamp screws 849 threaded into availableattachment apertures. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, thefixed-angle coupler 800 is formed as a monolithic unit. Preferable, thefixed-angle adapter unit 801 is manufactured from a rigid materialsimilar to the universal adapter couplers 840 and 841.

In further embodiments of the invention, an adjustable-angle coupler 850show in FIG. 11 is formed by jointing two universal couplers 860 and861, such as the universal coupler 140 shown in FIG. 3, together throughtwo adjustable plate structures 851 and 851′ with slotted slide features863 and 863′. The adjustable plate structures 851 and 851′ are attachedto a side surfaces of each of the universal couplers 860 and 861 usingclamp screws 859 and 859′ threaded into available attachment apertures.In operation, the clamp screws 859′ are loosened and the relative angleof the two universal couplers 860 and 861 is adjusted, as indicated bythe arrow 865. The clamp screws 859′ are then tighten and theadjustable-angle coupler 850 is installed into the conversion system.Alternatively, the adjustable angle coupler 850 is installed ontotubular sections of the conversion system and then the relative angle ofthe adjustable-angle coupler 850 is adjusted, as described above.Preferable, the plate structures 851 and 851′ are preferably formed fora rigid material similar to the universal adapter couplers 860 and 861.

Referring now to FIGS. 12A-B, a support hinge assembly 900 is used tohingably attach shelves, floors or bed supports or other auxiliaryfeatures to the canopy support structure or canopy support frame 120(FIG. 1) or the canopy support structure or canopy support frame 1000(FIGS. 13A-B). The support hinge assembly 900 includes two swing armstructures 921 and 921′. The two swing arm structures 921 and 921′ arecoupled to a lower platform structure 925 and an L-shaped upper platformstructure 926. The L-shaped upper platform structure 926 is attached tothe two swing arm structures through screw features 931 that passthrough the back portion 924 of the L-shaped upper platform structure926. The screw features can be loosened to adjust the spacing betweenthe inner surface of the low platform structure 925 and the innersurface of the L-shaped upper platform structure 926. The support hingeassembly 900 is coupled to a universal coupler 940, such as theuniversal couplers 140 and 141 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, through clampinghinge screws 919 and 919′. The clamping hinge screws 919 and 919′include bushing features that allow the clamping hinge screws 919 and919′ to be threaded and tightened in appropriate attachment apertures onthe universal coupler 940, while allowing the support hinge assembly 900to swing freely. The two swing arm structures 921 and 921′ include setsof swing arm apertures 920 and 920′. Such that the support hingeassembly 900 swinging span 951 can be adjusted by placing the clampinghinge screws 919 and 919′ in the appropriate swing arm apertures 920 and920′.

In operation the support hinge assembly 900 is either attached to theuniversal coupler 940 either prior to or after the universal coupler 940attached to a tubular section or tubular portion 901 of canopy supportstructure or canopy support frame 120 (FIG. 1) or the canopy supportstructure or canopy support frame 1000 (FIGS. 13A-B). Once installed, orbefore being installed, a shelve, a floor or bed support or otherauxiliary feature, such as the auxillary features 961 and 961′ (FIGS.12A-B) are positioned such that a portion of the auxiliary feature issecured to the bolt features 933 and/or sandwiched in the space 948between the L-shaped upper platform structure 926 and the lower platformstructure 925. The combination of a hinge support assembly 900 and auniversal coupler is referred to here as a hinge coupler 950.

All of the features that are secured to and/or attached to the universaladapter couplers 140 and 141′ (FIGS. 3 and 4), including but not limitedto, and universal tee adapters 152 (FIG. 5), fixed-angle adapter unit801 (FIG. 10), adjustable-angle adjustable plate structures 851 and 851′(FIG. 11) and support hinge assemblies 900 (FIG. 12A), are referred toherein as attachments that are generally secured to and/or attached tothe universal adapter couplers 140 and 141′ through attachment apertureson outer surfaces of the universal adapter couplers 140 and 141′.

FIGS. 13A-B show views 1000 and 1000′ of an exemplary conversion system,in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. The conversionsystem includes a canopy support structure or canopy support frame 971formed from tubular segments. The tubular segments include a numberarching support tubes, straight tubes as well as spanner elements orspanner tubes 972, 972′ and 972″ and other support tubes or bars. Thetubular segments and spanner elements or tubes are attached or joinedtogether through T-bar connectors 981, 983, 985, 987 and 989, such asthe T-bar connector 91 shown in FIG. 6. The T-bar connectors 981, 983,985, 987 and 989 are formed from universal couplers, such as theuniversal couplers 140 or 141 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, universal teeadapter units, such as the universal tee adapter unit 152 shown in FIG.5.

In accordance with the embodiments of the invention the conversionsystem also includes a number of hinge couplers 991, 993, 995 and 997,such as the hinge coupler 950 shown in FIG. 12B. As described above thehinge couplers 991, 993, 995 and 997 are formed from support hingeassemblies, such as the support hinge assembly 900 shown in FIG. 12A,hingably attached to universal couplers, such as the universal couplers140 or 141 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The hinge couplers 991, 993, 995 and997 are attached to auxiliary units 961 and 961′ and they allow theauxiliary units to place in an upward positions, such as shown in FIG.13B and in a downward position, such as shown in FIG. 13A. In thisexample auxiliary units 961 and 961′ provide a support for a floor,storage shelving or a bed platform.

The conversion system also preferably includes a number of support barstructures 973 and 973′ that help support the auxiliary units when inthe lowered downward positions. The support bar structures 973 and 973′can be coupled to the spanner bars or tubes 972 and 972′, or anotherportions of the canopy support structure or canopy support frame 971through snap couplers 984, or T-bar connectors, such as the T-barconnector 91 shown in FIG. 6.

It will be clear to one skilled in the art that the conversation systemof the present invention can also include any number of fixed-anglecouplers, such as the fixed-angle coupler 800 shown in FIG. 10, as wellas any number of variable-angle couplers, such as the variable-anglecoupler 85 shown in FIG. 11. Also, as described above the conversionsystem is preferably secured to a cargo bed of a vehicle through basestabilizer units, such as the base stabilizer units 170 and 171 shown inFIGS. 9A-B that couple to tubular leg portions 991, 993, 995 and 997 ofthe canopy support structure or canopy support frame 971. In order tofurther secure the conversion system of the present invention within acargo area of a vehicle, portions of the canopy support structure orcanopy support frame 971 can be secures to walls and/or the ceiling ofthe cargo area.

The present invention has been described in terms of specificembodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of theprinciples of construction and operation of the invention. As such,references herein to specific embodiments and details thereof are notintended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made inthe embodiments chosen for illustration without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a) tubular arching supportstructures; b) tubular spanner bar structures; and c) universal adaptercouplers for attaching the tubular spanner bar structures to the tubulararching support structures to form a canopy support frame that fitswithin a vehicle cargo area the universal adapter couplers comprisingtwo elongated segments that attach together, the two elongated segmentsincluding concave inner surfaces that fit around the canopy supportframe and having attachment apertures on outer surfaces for linkingattachments to the universal adapter couplers with the universal adaptercouplers attached to the canopy support frame, wherein the attachmentsinclude T-bar adapter units, hinge support assemblies, fixed angleadapter units and variable angle adapter units that, along with theuniversal adapter couplers, form T-bar connectors, hinge supportconnectors, fixed angle connectors and variable angle connectors.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the elongated segments of the universaladapter couplers are attached together through clamping screws.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising base stabilizer units forattaching the canopy support frame to a floor of the vehicle cargo areathrough tubular legs on the tubular arching support structures.
 4. Thesystem of claim 3, wherein the base stabilizer units each include afloor coupler attached to a floor base plate, wherein the floor coupleris formed from two elongated segments that attach together and fitaround the tubular legs and have receiving apertures on terminus ends tosecure the floor coupler to the floor base plate through attachmentscrews.
 5. A system comprising: a) a canopy support frame that fitswithin a vehicle cargo area, the canopy support frame formed fromtubular segments that include tubular arching support structures,tubular spanner bar structures and tubular support legs; and b)universal adapter couplers comprising two elongated segments that attachtogether, the two elongated segments including concave inner surfacesthat fit around the tubular segments of the canopy support frame andhaving attachment apertures on outer surfaces for linking attachments tothe universal adapter couplers with the universal adapter couplersattached to the canopy support frame, wherein the attachments includeT-bar adapter units, hinge support assemblies, fixed angle adapter unitsand variable angle adapter units that, along with the universal adaptercouplers, form T-bar connectors, hinge support connectors, fixed angleconnectors and variable angle connectors.
 6. The system of claim 5,wherein the elongated segments of the universal adapter couplers areattached together through clamping screws.
 7. The system of claim 5,wherein the T-bar adapter units that along with the universal adaptercouplers form T-bar connectors that connect the spanner bar structuresto the tubular arching support structures.
 8. The system of claim 5,wherein the hinge support connectors are for hingably attachingauxiliary units to the canopy support frame.
 9. The system of claim 5,wherein each fixed angle connector is formed by a fixed angle adapterunit linked to two of the universal adapter couplers through theattachment apertures.
 10. The system of claim 5, wherein each variableangle connector is formed by adjustable plate structures linked to twoof the universal adapter couplers through the attachment apertures. 11.The system of claim 5, further comprising base stabilizer units forattaching the canopy support frame to a floor of the vehicle cargo areathrough the tubular support legs.
 12. The system of claim 11, whereinthe base stabilizer units each include a floor coupler attached to afloor base plate, wherein the floor coupler is formed from two elongatedsegments that attach together and fit around the tubular legs and havereceiving apertures on terminus ends to secure the floor coupler to thefloor base plate through attachment screws.
 13. A system comprising: a)a canopy support frame that fits within a vehicle cargo area, the canopysupport frame formed from tubular segments that include tubular archingsupport structures and tubular spanner bar structures; and b) universaladapter couplers comprising two elongated segments that attach together,the two elongated segments including concave inner surfaces that fitaround the tubular segments of the canopy support frame and havingattachment apertures on outer surfaces for linking attachments to theuniversal adapter couplers with the universal adapter couplers attachedto the canopy support frame, wherein the attachments include T-baradapter units, hinge support assemblies, fixed angle adapter units andvariable angle adapter units that, along with the universal adaptercouplers, form T-bar connectors, hinge support connectors, fixed angleconnectors and variable angle connectors; and c) platform structuresthat attach to the hinge support connectors, wherein the platformstructures fold up and down through the hinge support connectors.